EP0977429B1 - Image capture device and method - Google Patents
Image capture device and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0977429B1 EP0977429B1 EP99305696A EP99305696A EP0977429B1 EP 0977429 B1 EP0977429 B1 EP 0977429B1 EP 99305696 A EP99305696 A EP 99305696A EP 99305696 A EP99305696 A EP 99305696A EP 0977429 B1 EP0977429 B1 EP 0977429B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- image capture
- capture device
- socket
- lamp
- light bulb
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/56—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof provided with illuminating means
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of image capture devices and more particularly to a method and apparatus for integrating an image capture device to a light source.
- this invention provides for the integration of a video camera, digital camera or CCD camera with an office, desk or floor lamp.
- Image capture devices such as digital cameras, video cameras and CCD cameras are sometimes used with computers for video conferencing, still image capture and other potential image capture tasks.
- Digital cameras, video cameras and CCD cameras require some power supply source and some light source.
- the power supply is either a wall socket or a battery on the camera.
- camera batteries typically have a very short life between recharges.
- most offices and conference rooms tend to run short on spare sockets due to the many computers, printers, scanners, CRT's, TV's, lights, fans, heaters, etc. that are typically plugged in in any given office or conference room. Accordingly, there is a desire to have a means for a reliable power supply for a camera or other such image capture device.
- the light source used by most cameras and image capture devices is ambient light, however, it would be desirable to have an auxiliary light source. It would be handy and convenient to have a light source that was integrated with the camera.
- an image capture device that is integrated into a typical desk or floor lamp, wherein the image capture device screws into the light bulb socket, obtaining its power from the lamp socket.
- the image capture device would then provide a 'pass-though' socket in which a standard light bulb could be installed.
- the image capture device could then obtain its power from the light bulb socket, provide 'pass-through' socket for a standard light bulb and use the light from the light bulb as an auxiliary light source during the image capture process.
- the image capture device may also include a sensor that images the light source and provides color compensation for the light source prior to performing an image capture.
- the lamp could be modulated for exposure control purposes. Also, data transfer may be accomplished via modulation of the power supply cord to the lamp.
- Figure 1 illustrates an integrated image capture device and lamp according to the present invention.
- Figure 1 illustrates a desk, office or floor lamp 100 with an exploded image 102 showing the present invention.
- Exploded image 102 shows a socket 104 for the lamp 100.
- An image capture device 106 is screwed into the lamp socket 104 such that the image capture device 106 may obtain power from the power cord of the lamp 100 via the socket 104.
- the image capture device 106 provides a 'pass-through' socket, not shown, which permits a standard light bulb 108 to be screwed into the image capture device 106 and obtain power from the 'pass-through' socket.
- the image capture device 106 may be a digital camera, video camera, CCD camera or the like.
- the image capture device 106 may also have an on/off switch (not shown) and may also provide an on/off switch (not shown) to the 'pass-through' socket, thus permitting either the image capture device 106 or the light bulb 108 to be used separately.
- the auxiliary light bulb 108 may be turned on.
- a preliminary image may be taken and internal or external software on the image capture device 106 may determine whether color compensation or if light modulation is needed for the light source or not. The internal or external software will then initiate any necessary color compensation or exposure control light modulation. Then the image capture process may begin.
- Data transmission of the image captured may be by any known standard means for the particular image capture device in use or by modulation along the power supply cord 112 for the lamp 102, infrared or other known transmission means.
- the image capture device 106 and an auxiliary lamp or light source 108 of the present invention use a shared, existing power cord 112.
- Another advantage of the present invention is that there is no additional floor or desk space needed for the image capture device 106, as the lamp is already utilizing its footprint. Additionally, there is a dramatic increase in the available light source over ambient light for image capture. Further, the additional light source may be modulated by the image capture device and the 'pass-through' socket for exposure control. As different lamps and light bulbs may be utilized in different settings, the image capture device 106 may measure the light source and provide appropriate color compensation during the image capture process. Alternatively, a special "known" light bulb may be provided with the image capture device 106 to obviate the need for color compensation.
- lamp 100 may be utilized for data transmission by means of data modulation.
- lamp 100 may be any generic desk or floor lamp such as the type used in the home or office setting and light bulb 108 is any standard light bulb used in a desk or floor lamp in the home or office setting.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to the field of image capture devices and more particularly to a method and apparatus for integrating an image capture device to a light source. In particular, this invention provides for the integration of a video camera, digital camera or CCD camera with an office, desk or floor lamp.
- Image capture devices such as digital cameras, video cameras and CCD cameras are sometimes used with computers for video conferencing, still image capture and other potential image capture tasks. Digital cameras, video cameras and CCD cameras require some power supply source and some light source. Generally, the power supply is either a wall socket or a battery on the camera. However, camera batteries typically have a very short life between recharges. Also, most offices and conference rooms tend to run short on spare sockets due to the many computers, printers, scanners, CRT's, TV's, lights, fans, heaters, etc. that are typically plugged in in any given office or conference room. Accordingly, there is a desire to have a means for a reliable power supply for a camera or other such image capture device.
- Typically, the light source used by most cameras and image capture devices is ambient light, however, it would be desirable to have an auxiliary light source. It would be handy and convenient to have a light source that was integrated with the camera.
- The above and other aspects of the present invention are accomplished in an image capture device that is integrated into a typical desk or floor lamp, wherein the image capture device screws into the light bulb socket, obtaining its power from the lamp socket. The image capture device would then provide a 'pass-though' socket in which a standard light bulb could be installed. The image capture device could then obtain its power from the light bulb socket, provide 'pass-through' socket for a standard light bulb and use the light from the light bulb as an auxiliary light source during the image capture process. The image capture device may also include a sensor that images the light source and provides color compensation for the light source prior to performing an image capture. Moreover, the lamp could be modulated for exposure control purposes. Also, data transfer may be accomplished via modulation of the power supply cord to the lamp.
- The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following more particular description of the invention, presented in conjunction with the following drawing, wherein:
- Figure 1 illustrates an integrated image capture device and lamp according to the present invention.
- Figure 1 illustrates a desk, office or
floor lamp 100 with an explodedimage 102 showing the present invention. Explodedimage 102 shows asocket 104 for thelamp 100. Animage capture device 106 is screwed into thelamp socket 104 such that theimage capture device 106 may obtain power from the power cord of thelamp 100 via thesocket 104. Theimage capture device 106 provides a 'pass-through' socket, not shown, which permits astandard light bulb 108 to be screwed into theimage capture device 106 and obtain power from the 'pass-through' socket. - In operation, when power is supplied to the
lamp 100 by means of plugging in the power cord and/or turning on a switch, power is supplied to theimage capture device 106. Theimage capture device 106 may be a digital camera, video camera, CCD camera or the like. Theimage capture device 106 may also have an on/off switch (not shown) and may also provide an on/off switch (not shown) to the 'pass-through' socket, thus permitting either theimage capture device 106 or thelight bulb 108 to be used separately. - If it is determined that the ambient light is not sufficient to perform image capture of an
object 110, theauxiliary light bulb 108 may be turned on. A preliminary image may be taken and internal or external software on theimage capture device 106 may determine whether color compensation or if light modulation is needed for the light source or not. The internal or external software will then initiate any necessary color compensation or exposure control light modulation. Then the image capture process may begin. Data transmission of the image captured may be by any known standard means for the particular image capture device in use or by modulation along thepower supply cord 112 for thelamp 102, infrared or other known transmission means. - From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the
image capture device 106 and an auxiliary lamp orlight source 108 of the present invention use a shared, existingpower cord 112. Another advantage of the present invention is that there is no additional floor or desk space needed for theimage capture device 106, as the lamp is already utilizing its footprint. Additionally, there is a dramatic increase in the available light source over ambient light for image capture. Further, the additional light source may be modulated by the image capture device and the 'pass-through' socket for exposure control. As different lamps and light bulbs may be utilized in different settings, theimage capture device 106 may measure the light source and provide appropriate color compensation during the image capture process. Alternatively, a special "known" light bulb may be provided with theimage capture device 106 to obviate the need for color compensation. Thepower cord 112 of thelamp 100 may be utilized for data transmission by means of data modulation. It should be noted thatlamp 100 may be any generic desk or floor lamp such as the type used in the home or office setting andlight bulb 108 is any standard light bulb used in a desk or floor lamp in the home or office setting. - The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teachings. For example, although the present invention was described for the application to an incandescent lamp, it is readily apparent that the present invention is also applicable to a fluorescent lamp. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.
Claims (9)
- A device comprising:a lamp (100) having a light bulb socket (104); andan image capture device (106) adapted for obtaining power from said light bulb socket (104) of said lamp (100), characterised in thatsaid image capture device (106) has a pass-through socket adapted to receive a light bulb (108).
- The device according to claim 1, wherein said light bulb socket (104) is adapted for receiving an incandescent light bulb.
- The device according to claim 1, wherein said light bulb socket (104) is adapted for receiving a fluorescent light bulb.
- The device according to any preceding claim, wherein said image capture device (106) further comprises a means for colour compensation.
- The device according to any preceding claim, wherein said image capture device (106) further comprises a means for modulating said pass-through socket for exposure control.
- The device according to any preceding claim, wherein said image capture device (106) is a digital camera.
- The device according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said image capture device (106) is a video camera.
- The device according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said image capture device (106) is a CCD camera.
- A method for capturing an image comprising:(a) attaching an image capture device (106) to a light socket (104) of a lamp (100);(b) supplying power to said lamp (100), said image capture device (106) obtaining power from said light socket (104) of said lamp (100);(c) performing an image capture process;(d) providing said image capture device (106) with a pass-through socket; and(e) supplying power from said image capture device (106) to a light bulb (108) by means of said pass-through socket.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/126,464 US6324311B1 (en) | 1998-07-30 | 1998-07-30 | Method and apparatus for integrating an image capture device with a light source |
US126464 | 1998-07-30 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0977429A2 EP0977429A2 (en) | 2000-02-02 |
EP0977429A3 EP0977429A3 (en) | 2000-03-08 |
EP0977429B1 true EP0977429B1 (en) | 2002-04-10 |
Family
ID=22424965
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99305696A Expired - Lifetime EP0977429B1 (en) | 1998-07-30 | 1999-07-19 | Image capture device and method |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6324311B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP0977429B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69901210T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6812970B1 (en) * | 2000-05-15 | 2004-11-02 | Mcbride Richard L. | Video camera utilizing power line modulation |
US7576650B1 (en) | 2001-10-12 | 2009-08-18 | Touraj Ghaffari | Real time total asset visibility system |
US7082344B2 (en) * | 2001-10-12 | 2006-07-25 | Touraj Ghaffari | Real time total asset visibility system |
US6662068B1 (en) * | 2001-10-12 | 2003-12-09 | Touraj Ghaffari | Real time total asset visibility system |
US20030197807A1 (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2003-10-23 | Wu Vic Chi-Shi | Light bulb adapter for a camera and method for same |
US20030210340A1 (en) * | 2002-05-07 | 2003-11-13 | John Frederick Romanowich | Camera with a mechanical and electrical interface for couplable engagement with a standard lampholder |
US7455435B2 (en) * | 2004-08-12 | 2008-11-25 | Radioshack Corporation | High speed data interface to the AC power line through a standard light bulb socket |
US20060038499A1 (en) * | 2004-08-18 | 2006-02-23 | Ming-Hsiang Yeh | Monitoring apparatus with connector |
TW200843491A (en) * | 2007-04-30 | 2008-11-01 | Vivotek Inc | A camera installation structure and apparatus |
US7688195B2 (en) * | 2007-07-10 | 2010-03-30 | Sercomm Corporation | Bridge system for installing electronic appliance to light source socket and bridge method thereof |
KR101007410B1 (en) * | 2008-08-11 | 2011-01-14 | 주식회사 케이엠더블유 | Camera attached street ramp |
CA2761711A1 (en) * | 2009-05-13 | 2010-11-18 | Einstruction Corporation | Interactive student response and content sharing system |
WO2011159270A1 (en) * | 2010-06-18 | 2011-12-22 | Eu3C Company, Limited | Digital camera scanner in a desk lamp |
US11308462B2 (en) | 2014-05-13 | 2022-04-19 | Clear Token Inc | Secure electronic payment |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3585914A (en) * | 1969-05-26 | 1971-06-22 | Atlas Rand Corp | Camera mechanism for rotating a lamp socket |
US3812500A (en) * | 1971-03-24 | 1974-05-21 | Eastman Kodak Co | Automatic shutter control for photographic cameras |
US3739118A (en) * | 1971-06-14 | 1973-06-12 | W Bounds | Inertially operable electricity switches |
US3696720A (en) * | 1971-08-11 | 1972-10-10 | Integrated Controls Inc | Method and apparatus for photographing oscilloscope traces with conventional camera |
US3759153A (en) * | 1972-10-25 | 1973-09-18 | Polaroid Corp | Lens shade |
US3967302A (en) * | 1974-12-16 | 1976-06-29 | Polaroid Corporation | Accessory attachment for photographic apparatus |
US5663758A (en) * | 1993-04-05 | 1997-09-02 | Dhv International, Inc. | Instrument probe having a back-lighted camera |
US5790276A (en) * | 1995-02-15 | 1998-08-04 | Eastman Kodak Company | Apparatus and method for image reformatting |
US5933191A (en) | 1995-06-14 | 1999-08-03 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image input apparatus having an adjustable support mechanism |
FR2740245B1 (en) | 1995-10-24 | 1997-12-26 | Saubade Jacques | DEVICE FOR CAPTURING AND TRANSMITTING IMAGES, AND REMOTE MONITORING INSTALLATION COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE |
GB9614837D0 (en) * | 1996-07-12 | 1996-09-04 | Rank Xerox Ltd | Interactive desktop system with multiple image capture and display modes |
-
1998
- 1998-07-30 US US09/126,464 patent/US6324311B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1999
- 1999-07-19 DE DE69901210T patent/DE69901210T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-07-19 EP EP99305696A patent/EP0977429B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0977429A2 (en) | 2000-02-02 |
US6324311B1 (en) | 2001-11-27 |
DE69901210T2 (en) | 2002-10-02 |
EP0977429A3 (en) | 2000-03-08 |
DE69901210D1 (en) | 2002-05-16 |
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